Vital Forest News

Opinion: Could Nottingham Forest-target be Martin O’Neill’s first signing of the summer?

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Antonio Raíllo revealed in an interview with AS that he had the chance to join Nottingham Forest during the January transfer window but opted against making the move from RCD Mallorca and stayed at the Iberostar Stadium instead.

Raíllo explained: “It was a very good opportunity, but I’m left with a smile and it has been shown in the field; will be able to say that I throw the towel, not give everything for the club.”

The 27-year-old was one of many centre-backs on Martin O’Neill’s radar as he looked to strengthen the defence due to Forest’s injury crisis at the time. He missed out on the chance to sign Raíllo, however, and instead brought in Molla Wague on loan from Udinese, Alexander Milosevic on a free transfer from AIK and Yohan Benalouane from Leicester City.

But with Michael Dawson and Michael Hefele having uncertain futures at the City Ground and Wague returning to his parent club in June, Forest might be in need of another central defender. Raíllo didn’t explain why he turned the Reds down in January, so the door isn’t closed on a deal happening over the summer.

His Mallorca side are currently eighth in the Segunda Division with 43 points from 27 games, having lost only eight times and having conceded just 24 goals. Raíllo has made 22 league appearances for the Spanish club this season and appears to be contributing to their decent defensive record.

Crippy Cooke’s previous article

Opinion: Nottingham Forest outcast struggling for form and playing time, loan move a disaster

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Sports journalist who is an avid football fan, enjoys debunking transfer rumours, loves to write pieces about players out in the cold and takes a large amount of pride getting a predicted XI 100% correct.